Paris 2014: Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Edition

Of the cars that were not brand new at Peugeot’s 2014 Paris Motor Show stand, this one stood out for yours truly. Simply because the Peugeot 208 GTi 30th Anniversary Edition is a hot hatch, and we love the tiny troublemakers in this office.

Launched at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed in June, this one’s a bit special. More than just a cosmetic special edition, the 30th Anniversary is powered by a new Euro 6 1.6 litre THP petrol engine with 208 hp and 300 Nm. That’s eight horses and 25 Nm more than the standard 208 GTi.

Zero to 100 km/h is done in 6.5 seconds, three tenths faster. The improved acceleration is matched by uprated brakes – 323 mm diameter and 28 mm thick discs up front with Brembo fixed four-piston calipers. Mated to a good ol’ six-speed manual, power goes through a Torsen LSD to the front wheels, like in the RCZ R. The ESP and traction control have been recalibrated to be less intrusive.

The 30th also gets specific suspension (lowered by 10 mm) and steering settings. The track is wider by 22 mm at the front and 16 mm at the rear, to boot. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40 tyres.

Looks wise, chrome trim have been replaced by matte black bits. At the front, the dark treatment is applied to the grille surround, foglamp bezels and door mirror shells. From the side, you’ll find matte black side skirts and wheel arch extensions. The window weather strip, which finishes with a signature paying homage to the famous 205 GTi, is also finished in the same hue, while the quarter panel bears a “208 GTi 30th” logo.

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.